Are your energy bills on the rise? Do you have drafty rooms, or uneven temperatures between rooms? If you're experiencing these problems, you could be losing energy through a leaky attic. Grab a flashlight and a pair of gloves and head up to your attic to see if you can find ways to keep your energy costs down.

Check insulation levels

Having the right amount of attic insulation is critical for heating and cooling efficiency and comfort. But how do you know if you have the right amount?

Most attics have batt insulation or loose-fill. Batt insulation is that fuzzy stuff that comes in rolls often with brown paper on the back; insulation level is measured in R-value, which should be listed on the brown paper.

If you have loose-fill, checking the insulation level is a little more complicated. Shove a ruler or tape measure down into the insulation at several places in the attic to measure the depth. Go to the ENERGY STAR® Insulation Calculator to determine how much insulation you need. If you can see the tops of the joists, you probably need more insulation.

Put a stop to air leaks

Check for air leaks. All that insulation won't be as effective if energy is escaping through gaps or holes in your attic.

Locate all ceiling fans, recessed lighting fixtures and electrical outlets in the ceiling below your attic. Each of these is a potential source of air leakage. From the attic, pull back the insulation to find the cutouts and seal them with caulk or expandable foam. Check for and seal gaps around plumbing vents, furnace flues and ductwork. Also, seal the attic door or access with weather stripping.

By taking these steps, you can raise the comfort level of your home and see your energy bills drop.

NOTE: If you are thinking about making insulation improvements to your home, contact Beltrami Electric Cooperative FIRST to ask about our energy efficiency incentives for insulation. Contact Bob Gregg at 218-444-3622 today!